Sheela

"Sheela, what do you think is the meaning or purpose of this universe?" "Cassandra, I think there is no meaning or purpose. Like a painting or sculpture, this universe just is." "Hmm."

"Sheela, what's your religion?" "Cassandra, I'm Dharmic, swinging between Buddhism and Hinduism."

"What's your religion, Cassandra?" "Sheela, I think I tend towards Animism, like Shinto or Daoism."

"Cassandra, Bodhi Day is the Buddhist holiday that commemorates the day that the historical Buddha experienced enlightenment." "The eighth of December, right, Sheela?" "Correct."

"Cassandra, the fifteenth of December is Zamenhof Day!" "It's the birthday of Esperanto's creator, Doctor Zamenhof, right, Sheela?" "Correct."

"Sheela, what kind of meditation are you learning at the Thai temple?" "Cassandra, I’m actually learning two kinds: samatha or tranquillity and vipassanā or insight."

"Cassandra, in tranquillity meditation, you can count or repeat a seed word in your head." "Sheela, I know it's more complicated than what you say."

"Cassandra, in insight meditation, you let your mind flow by, and you just observe." "Sheela, like a passing parade?" "Sort of."

"Cassandra, in meditation, you have to be mindful of your breathing in and out." "Oh, okay, Sheela."

"Cassandra, you can meditate focusing on an object, like a gem or a cactus plant." "I'll try, Sheela."